Aluminium v PVCU

Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell discusses how aluminium is taking market share.

There’s something of an arms race between PCVU window systems and aluminium ones at the moment, especially when we regularly told that Palmer Market Research has predicted that sales of aluminium window and door products will reach a 17-year high by 2020.

As aluminium has started to take market share (made prominent by evidence that high-end and niche projects are driving the market) we’ve seen PVCU reconsider its appeal. Residence 9 was an early move to demonstrate how PVCU can once again by innovative and appealing, which prompted an increase in products that offer a similar flush-fitting style. It has also given companies the confidence to target heritage projects with PVCU products.

Wehave also seen: aluminium/PVCU hybrid products; a rise in colour – particularly anthracite grey (to mimic the aluminium look); and a greater desire to offer more products on a shorter lead time.

It’s all good news for fabricators because they are increasingly offering more than one PVCU system alongside a growing aluminium offering. And installers, too, appear to have a choice that is driven by quality rather than by price.

It should be, therefore, unsurprising to read this week that Elumatec has launched a new machine that is capable of offering a mitred finish that (while unsaid in the press release) rivals the Graf Synergy welder.

The Synergy welder was launched (and warmly received) at the FIT Show, and the Sturz Contourline will be on show this year. If you have yet to book your ticket to the event at the NEC in May, and you are keen to keep one step ahead of industry developments, then you should probably pull your finger out.